SmartNews Data Scientist Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 7 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at SmartNews.
SmartNews
Data Scientist
Mid Average Negative experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Take home Technical screen Recruiter call
Interview formats
Coding Technical Behavioral
I had an online assessment that involved Python, SQL, and 10 multiple-choice questions. This was followed by a first-round interview with a manager, though I'm not certain if they were the hiring manager as they didn't introduce themselves and just started asking questions. They inquired about my previous analytics experience and my motivation for applying. There were also some technical questions, but they weren't very in-depth. I expected to hear back about rejection sooner, but due to the year-end, it took them three weeks to get back to me.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- Can you explain bias, variance, and how to reduce them?
- Do you have any ideas on how SmartNews could be improved?
SmartNews
Data Scientist
Entry Easy Negative experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen
Interview formats
Technical Coding
I was contacted by an external recruiting firm. I cleared the initial recruiter screening but didn't perform great on the Codility test, which was understandable since I hadn't used it before. The main issue is that I later found out my application details (CV and responses) were shared with my current employer through informal channels, which has caused problems at my job. This privacy breach is a first for me and has made the experience extremely unprofessional and not worthwhile.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- What's your self-assessment of your Python proficiency?
- How do you rate your SQL expertise?
SmartNews
Data Scientist
Mid Difficult Positive experience No offer 4 rounds
Interview process
Take home Technical screen Recruiter call Onsite Technical screen Technical screen
Interview formats
Coding Technical Behavioral
First, there was an online coding test with multiple-choice questions covering statistics, basic machine learning, and probability. Then, I had a round with the hiring manager where we discussed my resume and some overall technical questions. Following that, there were several interviews with peers or stakeholders. Finally, I had a second and third line manager round.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Can you walk me through the process of designing an A/B test?
SmartNews Data Scientist Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from SmartNews interview reports.
“Can you write a Python function to calculate Root-Mean-Square-Error?”
Read reports →“How do you determine the minimum sample size required for statistical significance?”
Read reports →“What advantages does SmartNews have over comparable applications?”
Read reports →“What strategies can SmartNews employ to increase its revenue?”
Read reports →“Do you have any suggestions for enhancing the SmartNews App?”
Read report →“Can you explain bias, variance, and how to reduce them?”
Read report →“Do you have any ideas on how SmartNews could be improved?”
Read report →“What's your self-assessment of your Python proficiency?”
Read report →“How do you rate your SQL expertise?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 7 SmartNews interview reports.